Meet
Nadia Mercado

Research Scientist I

Nadia Mercado supports clients with research and data-driven analysis using claims and additional healthcare data to understand policy impacts for a variety of healthcare sectors and stakeholders.

She applies her background in statistics and public health policy to offer a comprehensive range of client projects.

Before joining Avalere, Nadia was a SAS programmer at Acumen LLC, providing policy analytics for clients such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, where she monitored key metrics for their Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies Competitive Bidding Program. Nadia also has experience applying analytics and other research support for several academic institutions, including the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy at Baylor College of Medicine and the Center for Behavioral and Preventative Medicine at the Miriam Hospital.

Nadia has an MS in biostatistics from Brown University and a BA in neuroscience from the University of Rochester.

Authored Content

December 9, 2024 | Insights & Analysis > Coverage and Payment

Study: 57 Percent of Covered Generic Drugs Not on Part D Generic Tiers in 2025
Over time, the percentage of generic prescription drugs placed on Medicare Part D generic tiers has declined, from 65% in 2016 to 43% in 2025.
August 20, 2024 | Insights & Analysis > Coverage and Payment

Formulary Coverage and Access Shifts in 2024 PDPs
Avalere analysis shows that there are substantial changes and variations in PDP formularies at the therapeutic area and regional levels from 2023 to 2024.
July 24, 2024 | Insights & Analysis > Coverage and Payment

More Low-Income Subsidy Enrollees Pay Part D Premiums in 2024
An Avalere analysis finds that from 2023 to 2024 the number of LIS enrollees paying a Part D premium increased by more than 1 million enrollees.
July 22, 2024 | Insights & Analysis > Coverage and Payment

2025 a Unique Year for MA and Part D Plans’ Rebate Reallocation
Given increased plan liability under the IRA and uncertainty from late changes to Star Ratings, plans should strategize for their Rebate Reallocation process.
February 20, 2024 | Insights & Analysis > Women's Health

Cervical Cancer Screening Rates Differ Across Demographics
The majority of women are not receiving cervical cancer screenings in compliance with recommendations, with disparities by insurance and age.
February 15, 2024 | Insights & Analysis > Health Equity

Medicare Nebulizer Use for COPD Differs by Race/Ethnicity
Rates of filled prescriptions for nebulizers in Medicare FFS vary across factors such as age, disability, and race/ethnicity.
May 26, 2023 | Insights & Analysis > Health Equity

Assessing the MA Risk-Adjustment Model’s Accuracy Among Subpopulations
The accuracy of the CMS-HCC model differs by beneficiaries’ race and ethnicity.
July 12, 2022 | Insights & Analysis > Drug Pricing and Affordability

Some Medicare Part D Beneficiaries Pay Full Price for Generic Drugs
An Avalere analysis finds that, in 2020, 63% of Medicare Part D beneficiaries paid the full cost of their generic medications at least once during their initial coverage phase when the generics were on the preferred brand tier.
April 6, 2022 | Insights & Analysis > Health Equity

Medicare Draft NCD for Alzheimer’s Drugs Poses Equity Questions
Avalere analysis seeks to understand potential access to clinical trial sites by race, given the draft requirement to ensure diverse participation.
March 11, 2022 | Insights & Analysis > Coverage and Payment

Medicare Draft Coverage for Alzheimer’s Drugs May Challenge Access
Thirty-one percent of rural Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease or a mild cognitive impairment diagnosis do not have access to a hospital outpatient department in their county, and fewer than 1% live near an Alzheimer’s disease research center.
February 28, 2022 | Insights & Analysis > Health Equity

Medication Adherence Disparities Linked to Race, Socioeconomic Factors
An Avalere analysis finds that a smaller share of Black and Hispanic Medicare beneficiaries and beneficiaries in lower socioeconomic quartiles have sufficient adherence for commonly used medications. The analysis also shows greater disparities in Medicare plans rated 3 stars or fewer.
December 22, 2021 | Insights & Analysis > Value-Based Care

Medicare Enrollees with COPD Compared to the General Population
The percentage of Medicare enrollees with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans is growing (3.1% growth projected between 2020 and 2030), but the majority (60%) of enrollees with COPD are in fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare. Compared to the general FFS Medicare population, more beneficiaries with COPD are dual eligible for Medicaid and fewer beneficiaries with COPD have employer sponsored insurance as a source of supplemental coverage.